RSCH09025 2022 Social Work Research Project
Full Title
Social Work Research Project
Transcript Title
Research Project
Code
RSCH09025
Attendance
100 %
Subject Area
RSCH - Research
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
10 - 10 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Elizabeth Haran, Brenda Feeney, Leigh-Ann Sweeney
Programme Membership
SG_WSOWO_M09 202200 Master of Arts in Social Work
Description
The research dissertation is an extended piece of written work carried out by individual students which allows students to focus on a specialist area of interest associated with the field of social work. Building on previous learning students get the opportunity to consolidate knowledge and demonstrate their skills, knowledge and expertise gathered throughout their programme of study, the objective of which is to provide an independent and critical appraisal of an issue. This work can be presented in a number of different formats.
- Empirical Data. The theoretical framework of a subject area is developed by a review of the literature, the empirical evidence is collected to answer a specific question or develop a specific point within the chosen subject area.
- Case study: A single in-depth case study is undertaken using innovative methodologies and methods to examine the single case in sufficient detail.
- Practice-Based Research Study. The research field is in practice and therefore the study will be conducted by the practitioner in practice, with the investigation of a problem, development of an action (eg. project) to address the problem and dissemination of findings to fellow practitioners being of importance.
The dissertation (in whichever format) is intended to support the student in making connections between research, policy, theory and practice.
This module supports the achievement of CORU Standards of Proficiency as follows:
Domain 1 Autonomy and Accountability
Domain 2 Communication, Collaborative Practice and Teamworking
Domain 3 Safety and Quality
Domain 4 Professional Development
Domain 5 Professional Knowledge and Skills
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Demonstrate skills to assess the effectiveness of any research approach identified (Domain 1:1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.13, 1.14, 1.16, 1.17; Domain 2.2, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14; Domain 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 3.12, 3.13; Domain 4.2, 4.3, 4.5; Domain 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14, 5.16, 5.19, 5.21, 5.22, 5.24, 5.25, 5.26).
2.
Critique available literature on a chosen topic and draw inferences from this body of knowledge (Domain 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.13, 1.14, 1.16, 1.17; Domain 2.2, 2.7, 2.12, 2.14; Domain 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 3.13; Domain 4.2, 4.4; Domain 5.2, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.12, 5.14, 5.15, 5.16, 5.18, 5.19, 5.21, 5.22, 5.23, 5.24, 5.25, 5.26).
3.
Apply a range of standard and specialised research tools and techniques of enquiry (Domain 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.13, 1.14, 1.17; Domain 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.11, 2.11, 2.13, 2.14; Domain 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.12, 3.13; Domain 4.2, 4.3, 4.6; Domain 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.12, 5.14, 5.15, 5.16, 5.18, 5.21, 5.22, 5.23, 5.24, 5.25).
4.
Carry out research in an ethical manner (Domain 1.1, 1.5, 1.11, 1.13, 1.14, 1.16, 1.17, 1.20; Domain 2.2, 2.3, 2.8, 2.9; Domain 3.1, 3.2; Domain 4.2; Domain 5.1, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.17, 5.19, 5.21, 5.22, 5.24).
5.
Argue to the validity of the process, and outcome of the research undertaken. (Domain 1.1, 1.5, 1.10, 1.12, 1.13, 1.17, 1.18; Domain 2.6, 2.9; Domain 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.13; Domain 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.14, 5.16, 5.20, 5.21, 5.22, 5.24, 5.25).
6.
Produce a research project in a format appropriate to a level 9 award (Domain 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.16, 1.17, 1.19; Domain 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.10, 2.15; Domain 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 3.13; Domain 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5; Domain 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.14, 5.15, 5.16, 5.19, 5.21, 5.22, 5.24, 5.25, 5.26).
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Students will avail of one to one supervision with a designated supervisor. This will involve 1-to-1, one-hour weekly meetings. The manner in which is organised and delivered will be negotiated between the student and supervisor.
Supervision will provide support, guidance and ongoing review and feedback of work under development and therefore attendance and participation in this supervision is a key requirement of this project.
Module Assessment Strategies
This research project will be assessed both verbally and with a written submission.
Students in their oral presentation will be expected to defend their research project and process to an audience of their peers.
Written submission can either be a 10,000-word traditional thesis, alternatively, students can decide to develop a paper for submission for peer-reviewed publication. The student must have targeted a specific journal and have considered the journal requirements and produced work to this requirement.
The project must adhere to the guidance of IT Sligo`s Research Ethics Policy and the related Research Ethics Procedure.
This module's assessment facilitates the assessment of CORU standards and proficiencies as follows:
Written submission: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.16, 1.17, 1.19; Domain 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.10, 2.15; Domain 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 3.13; Domain 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5; Domain 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.14, 5.15, 5.16, 5.19, 5.21, 5.22, 5.24, 5.25, 5.26.
Oral Presentation: Domain 1.1, 1.5, 1.10, 1.12, 1.13, 1.17, 1.18; Domain 2.6, 2.9; Domain 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.13; Domain 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.14, 5.16, 5.20, 5.21, 5.22, 5.24, 5.25.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat requirements will be decided at Exam Boards but will be most likely consist of both oral and written componetns. As per Marks and Standards, any repeat submission will be capped at 50%.
Module Dependencies
Prerequisites
RSCH09026 201700 Research Methods and Evaluation
Indicative Syllabus
LO1 Demonstrate skills to assess the effectiveness of any research approach identified.
Students will demonstrate and defend why they have chosen a particular topic, research process and format.
LO2 Critique available literature on a chosen topic and draw inferences from this body of knowledge.
Students are expected to critically review the key literature relevant to the field and inform the topic undertaken. They are expected to demonstrate forms of knowledge and how different knowledge can influence the format of the information presented e.g. policy documents, legislative documents, and peer-review publications, whilst not ignoring the importance of different sources to a research area. They are expected to present and argue literature that clearly demonstrates increased knowledge and expertise in their fields, and where appropriate informs the development of further stages of empirical work.
LO3 Demonstrate a range of standard and specialised research tools and techniques of enquiry.
Methods, tools and techniques are dependent on the project but must demonstrate clear relevancy to the research topic chosen. Students must be able to gather data, analyse and evaluate data appropriately and discuss the findings from their project in the context of the literature within their specific field.
LO4 Carry out research in an ethical manner.
In adherence to IT Sligo’s Code of Practice for the Quality Assurance of Postgraduate Research students must ensure ethical practice in all stages of the research process.
LO5 Argue to the validity of the process, and outcome of the research undertaken.
Students are expected to be able to defend the authenticity and quality of the research process and outcomes of their project.
LO6 Produce a research project in a format appropriate to level 9 award.
Students completed work will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competency that are required for a level nine award. It will be presented and published in a manner appropriate to this award level e.g. coherent, logical, readable.
A viva voce will be undertaken by the student, allowing them to reflect, present and defend their work to examiners. Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of all aspects of their research project which allows questions to be answered accurately and fluently and the discussion to be extended with confidence into familiar and unfamiliar areas.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submission of Project | Project | Project | 80 % | Week 18 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| 2 | Viva Voce | Practical | Oral Exam/Presentation | 20 % | Week 19 | 5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directed Learning | Not Specified | Research Project Supervision | .5 | Weekly | 0.50 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Research | 9 | Weekly | 9.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 0.50 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
This is project dependent, students will be guided by a supervisor. Some suggested texts.
Bell, L. (2017) Research Methods for Social Workers. Palgrave, Macmillan.
Bryman, A. (2016) Social Research Methods, 5th Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Chapter 6 'Ethics and politics in social research'
Bywaters, P. (2008) 'Learning from experience: developing a research strategy for social work in the UK', British Journal of Social Work, vol 38, no 5, pp 936-952.
Campbell, A., Taylor, B., McGlade, A. (2017) Research design in social work: qualitative and quantitative methods. Sage, New York
Costley, C., Elliot G. & Gibb, C. (2010) Approaches to enquiry for insider-researchers. London: Sage. Hart., E and Bond, M, (1995) Action Research for Health and Social Care: A Guide to Practice by Open University Press, Buckingham.
D’Cruz, H., & Jones, M. (2014). Social work research in practice : ethical and political contexts : [electronic book] (2nd edition.). SAGE.
Depoy, E. & Gilsin, S. (2017) Social Work Research and Evaluation. Maine: Sage
Dodd, S.J. & Epstein, I. (2012) Practice-based research in Social Work, London: Routledge.
Evidence Informed Practice for Social Work
URL: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/itsligo/detail.action?docID=6362162
Hardwick, L. & Worsley, A. (2010) Doing Social Work Research. London: Sage Publications.
Kiteley, R. & Stogdon, C. (2016) Literature Reviews in Social Work, SAGE
McLaughlin, H. (2011) Understanding Social Work Research: Key Concepts and Issues (SAGE, 2nd ed)
Orme, J. & Shemmings, D. (2010) Developing Research Based Social Work Practice.Palgrave Macmillan.
Rubin, A. & Babbie, E.R. (2016) Essential Research Methods for Social Work (4th ed). Boston, MA Cengage Learning.
.Smith, R. S, (2009) Doing Social Work Research, McGraw-Hill Open University Press.
Thomas, G. (2013) How to do your Research Project: A Guide for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences. London: Sage Publications
Webber, M. (2015) Applying Research Evidence in Social Work Practice. Palgrave.
York, R.O. (2020) Social work research methods: learning by doing. Sage, New York
Journal Resources
URL Resources
Other Resources
British Journal of Social Work
International Journal of Social Research Methodology
Journal of Evidence-Informed Social Work
Qualitative Social Work
Social Work Research
Research Ethics Policy and the related Research Ethics Procedure
Additional Information
Students are expected to maintain minutes of supervision meetings and present to the supervisor for review at each session.
Research must be undertaken in an ethical manner at all times.